Retribution (Secrets & Lies #3)(60)
“Oh, I don't know, I think Jackson did pretty good,” Katrina says, glancing back and smiling. “We get Melissa back, and you officially join the family... that'd make it damn near perfect.”
“We'll get her,” I promise Katrina. “And I’ll do everything I can to keep you all safe.”
Katrina shakes her head and pats me on the shoulder. “You do that, it's the perfect recipe for getting one of us killed. You fight, you focus on rescuing 'Lissa. We'll take care of ourselves.”
We ride to the truck stop, where we pull in and do a quick bathroom break. I top off the gas tanks for both vehicles, I don't want to use the gas cans unless we have to, and besides it gives everyone a chance to do what needs to be done in terms of changeover, piss breaks, and even grabbing a snack as needed. If we move quickly, we can have more than twelve hours to put something into motion in New Orleans itself.
While I'm paying for gas Katrina comes up, putting an energy drink on the counter. “Make sure you're able to make it another two hours. This one's for Carson, you need one?”
I shake my head, giving her an appreciative look. “I'm good. Remember, I racked out for the first two hours of the trip. When we get to outside New Orleans, I'm halting everyone for an hour as well, unless something changes. I'll be able to sleep.”
“Gotcha,” Katrina says, handing me a five. “By the way, the download's going well, I'll have it running on my laptop soon. Darcy says she's staying up, Jeff's working the NOPD side, and we've got support all night if we need it. She'll call my cell if there's anything immediate.”
“Okay. How're Andrea and Carson doing?”
“Andi's tired, but Carson's good. Andi's been driving since we left, so Carson's gotten a good amount of sleep. We're looking good.”
I nod, and lead Katrina outside. “Okay then. You and Jackson go down, crash out. I've got the wheel for the next three hours.”
Katrina nods and yawns, climbing into the van where Jackson's already laid out, giving him a kiss on the cheek before curling up on the bench seat. I go over to the truck, where Carson is already behind the wheel. “Here. Katrina thought you'd appreciate it.”
Carson takes the can and nods. I look over, where Andrea's already snoring lightly, and Carson follow my eyes. “She's a trooper.”
“She is,” Carson says softly. “Nathan... I didn't want to say anything around the others, but if the shit hits the fan tomorrow, and I don't make it out...”
“I'll take care of them both,” I reassure Carson, patting him on the shoulder. He doesn't know it, but I've already thought about that, and have positioned him in a way that gives him the best chance of survival. “But don't even think about that. You know what you need to think of?”
“What?”
“Safe driving, and what you are going to name your baby. You hoping for a girl or a boy?”
“A boy,” Carson admits with a little sheepish grin. “Someone to balance out BA. Then we look at who you guys will have, or we just work on more. I'd like three, maybe four kids.”
“Sounds good. You use what we've practiced, and the wits you have already shown, and you will be coming home to Andrea safe and sound. First step though, we get to New Orleans safe.”
Carson nods, and cranks the engine on his truck, the powerful motor idling contentedly. “I'm ready.”
Walking back to the van, I think that Carson's right. We're as ready as we can be.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Melissa
“Wake up, bitch.”
The sunlight isn't too bad, but my body is stiff after spending the whole night in the rocking chair. I wince as I struggle to wake up, when suddenly I'm doused in nearly ice cold water, and my eyes fly open, too shocked to scream.
Peter's standing in front of me, a hungover grin on his face, a bucket in his left hand, his hair hanging in limp cords down his face, obscuring some of the scars. It doesn't help with the overall look though, he just looks crazier than before. “That's better.”
“Wha... why?” I sputter, looking around the room. We're alone, Isis seems to have left in the middle of the night, and behind him I can see I was right, most of the land beyond the house seems to be a swampy mess. But I'm only kind of aware of this, I'm still trying to get the water out of my nose. I must have been leaning back in the chair when I got soaked.
“Rise and shine,” Peter explains, laughing maniacally. “Oh, and if you want to know, your little cunt buddy Isis is out, getting the last of what she needs for tonight's little family reunion. She's not going to be interrupting us while you and I have the long-awaited get to know you session.”
I snort, blowing out most of the rest of the water, and shake my head, clearing my vision the rest of the way as well. “You... you wouldn’t dare,” I huff, licking my lips. At least the water is helpful, my mouth feels like it's been packed with cotton and my lips are dry.
“Oh, still got some fight in you?” Peter retorts, chuckling. “Well, I know how to handle that. You know, I knew about you for years, I mean, Janice came to me as soon as she got pregnant. Good f*ck, but one dumb bitch.”